What do I do with all this good compost I've made? Compost is a valuable amendment that improves soil structure. It increases air and water circulation within the soil. Compost loosens clay soils and improves the moisture holding ability of sandy soils. Adding compost prolongs nutrient supply by holding nutrients in reserve for gradual uptake by the plants. Although it adds small amounts of a wide range of nutrients, compost is not usually used exclusively as a complete fertilizer; but rather a complement that increases the effectiveness of fertilizer.
- Work 2 to 4 inches of compost into your garden in the fall. During the
growing season use compost as top dressing or side dressing in the garden or the
flower bed. For established trees and shrubs work 1 to 2 inches into the soil
within
the dripline. Add about one inch to your container plants twice a year.
- Compost, especially not quite finished compost, makes a great mulch.
- Compost can be added to seed starter medium, transplant medium, and
potting soil. However, don't use compost as backfill when transplanting a tree or
shrub.
- Lastly, don't forget compost tea as a foliar spray and as a watering supplement.
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